Rifadin (Rifampin)

Do’s

• Take Rifadin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, considering factors like dosage (usually 1-2 times daily) and treatment duration.
• Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal with a full glass of water (8 ounces).
• If you need to take antacids, wait at least 1 hour after taking Rifadin.
• If you can't swallow the capsule, open it and sprinkle the contents onto applesauce or jelly, but consume the entire mixture immediately. Don't prepare a supply for later use.
• If using the liquid form, shake well before each use and measure the dose accurately with a special measuring device/spoon, not a household spoon.

Don'ts

• Don't skip any doses of Rifadin. It's crucial to complete the entire prescribed course, even if symptoms improve.
• Don't take Rifadin with food, as it can affect absorption.
• Don't take more than the prescribed amount of Rifadin.
• Don't stop taking Rifadin early; this can lead to the infection returning.
• Don't use a household spoon to measure the liquid medication.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Red or orange discoloration of urine, stools, sweat, saliva, or tears
• Soft contact lenses may be permanently stained

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of liver damage, such as nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output or appearance
• Mental/mood changes, such as confusion or unusual behavior
• Unusual tiredness
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Small red spots on the skin
• Joint pain or swelling
• New or worsening shortness of breath
• Serious allergic reactions
• Serious cutaneous reactions
• Paradoxical drug reactions (recurrence or appearance of new symptoms in a patient who had previously shown improvement with treatment)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Rifadin,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have before taking Rifampin. This includes allergies to Rifampin itself, other rifamycins (like rifabutin), or any other ingredients in the medication.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly if you have diabetes, liver problems (hepatitis), HIV infection, or a history of alcohol use/abuse. These conditions can be affected by Rifampin or can worsen the side effects.

Avoid alcohol while taking Rifampin. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems with this medication.

Rifampin may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Inform your healthcare provider you are taking Rifampin before getting any vaccinations.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.

Rifampin should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary. It may increase the risk of bleeding in both mother and baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Rifampin passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.